“Ugly” Animals
This project explores the concept of "beauty" by focusing on three animals often considered unattractive due to their unique physical attributes: the proboscis monkey, the aye-aye, and the California condor. Through digital paintings and sketches, I visually represent these animals and their so-called "ugly" features, such as the proboscis monkey's large nose, the aye-aye's long finger, and the condor's bald head. Each feature, while deemed unattractive by human standards, plays a crucial role in the animal's survival. By highlighting their functions, I aim to challenge conventional beauty norms and show that what we perceive as ugly can actually be essential and even beautiful in its own way.
Proboscis monkey
The proboscis monkey's large, bulbous nose might look odd, but it plays a crucial role in their social life. Male monkeys use their oversized noses to amplify calls, attracting mates and asserting dominance in their group. The bigger the nose, the more desirable they are to females.
Aye-Aye
The aye-aye's unusually long and thin middle finger may seem unsettling, but it's an essential tool for survival. They use it to tap on tree bark, listen for insect larvae inside, and then scoop them out for food, acting like a specialized hunting tool.
Californian condor
The California condor's bald head might not be the most attractive feature, but it's incredibly useful for hygiene. As scavengers, they often feed on carcasses, and a bald head helps them stay clean by preventing rotting flesh from getting trapped in feathers during feeding.